Miami Marlins 2021 Season Review: RHP Paul Campbell

Selected by the Miami Marlins last-December in the Rule 5 Draft from the Tampa Bay Rays, Paul Campbell made his major league debut during the 2021 campaign playing a role in the Marlins bullpen at different times throughout the season.

Miami Marlins 2021 Season Review: RHP Paul Campbell

Making his major league debut as a part of the Opening Day roster, Campbell saw action early-on in the season making five total appearances between April 3 and May 1, one of which was a start. Pitching a total of 11.1 innings during that span, the right-hander would struggle at times posting an 8.74 ERA.

Rated as the Marlins No. 27 prospect at the time by MLB Pipeline, Campbell was however suspended for 80 games back in early-May.

Returning in mid-July, Campbell would join Triple-A Jacksonville where he made three starts between July 20 and July 31. In what was his lone action with the Jumbo Shrimp this season, Campbell posted a 0.84 ERA across 10.2 innings.

Activated by the Marlins on August 4, Campbell would post four consecutive scoreless appearances in his return to the big leagues before he allowed five earned runs against the Braves on August 16. After that outing against Atlanta, Campbell would make six more appearances over the next month where he posted a 2.79 ERA across 9.2 innings pitched.

For the 2021 season overall, Campbell appeared in 16 games for the Marlins at the major league level, one of which was a start. Pitching a total of 26.2 innings, the 26-year-old posted a 2-3 record with a 6.41 ERA with 10 walks, 26 strikeouts, and a 1.575 WHIP. Opponents also held a .288/.358/.486 slash line against Campbell during the 2021 campaign.

The right-hander did struggle at times during his rookie campaign, but also had some impressive outings, in-particular toward the end of the season. Should Campbell return for the Miami Marlins for the 2022 season, the 26-year-old will likely fill a similar middle-inning relief role.